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Amendment One controversy leads to vandalism

Signs in support of Amendment One were slashed recently outside the Fletcher Library.

Mike Scruggs/Special to the Times-News

By John HarbinTimes-News Staff Writer

Published: Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 10:08 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 10:08 p.m.

Board of Elections Director Beverly Cunningham said vandalized signs have never been a problem since during her time at the helm of her office. Until this year, however, when a heated controversy over the definition of marriage has led to reports of slashed and stolen signs across the county.

Several Times-News callers and letter writers have reported signs being vandalized or stolen, both those supporting and opposing North Carolina Senate Bill 512, or Amendment One.

The bill, if passed by voters May 8 in the primary election, would amend the state Constitution to say that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union valid or recognized in the state.

While she has not received any official written complaints, Cunningham said she has heard people talking about the vandalism.

“I have heard that it is happening on both sides,” she said.

The Henderson County Sheriff's Office has received several calls concerning the destruction, vandalism and larceny of political signs, said Capt. Frank Stout.

“Most of these calls have been in reference to the vote for marriage amendment signs,” he said. “Several calls have been from the Flat Rock area, N.C. 191 area and Hendersonville city limits. During shift briefings, our officers have been made aware to be vigilant in watching out for the destruction or larceny of any political signs.”

Criminal charges for those caught defacing or stealing signs range from trespassing and damage to property to larceny.

However, Capt. Bruce Simonds with the Hendersonville Police Department said city police have not received any such reports. He added that vandalizing signs is a class three misdemeanor and could result in fines and even probation, depending on the suspect's criminal history.

One person who contacted the Times-News said she saw some of the vandalism first hand during a recent visit to the Fletcher Library. A letter writer said he saw people stealing signs and replacing them with ones promoting the opposing view.

The signs that Mike Scruggs, chairman of the Henderson County Republican Party, has seen and taken photos of are damaged signs calling for support of the amendment.

“It's happened at the polling sites and someone slashed (a) sign,” he said. “It's a hot topic. I think that the people who are against it, there is a radical element among them that are doing this. We can't control everyone in either party. This is more along the lines of people who are against the marriage amendment. This lawless element thinks they can get away with this, but what good is it doing?”

Shelly Kingsly, chairwoman of the Henderson County Democratic Party, said she doesn't think vandalism or theft is going to change anyone's mind.

“It's childish and destructive,” she said. “People are sharply divided on that amendment. Some people are passionate about it and maybe they are angry. It's a sad situation and there is no reason for it.”

<p>Board of Elections Director Beverly Cunningham said vandalized signs have never been a problem since during her time at the helm of her office. Until this year, however, when a heated controversy over the definition of marriage has led to reports of slashed and stolen signs across the county. </p><p>Several Times-News callers and letter writers have reported signs being vandalized or stolen, both those supporting and opposing North Carolina Senate Bill 512, or Amendment One. </p><p>The bill, if passed by voters May 8 in the primary election, would amend the state Constitution to say that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union valid or recognized in the state. </p><p>While she has not received any official written complaints, Cunningham said she has heard people talking about the vandalism.</p><p>“I have heard that it is happening on both sides,” she said. </p><p>The Henderson County Sheriff's Office has received several calls concerning the destruction, vandalism and larceny of political signs, said Capt. Frank Stout. </p><p>“Most of these calls have been in reference to the vote for marriage amendment signs,” he said. “Several calls have been from the Flat Rock area, N.C. 191 area and Hendersonville city limits. During shift briefings, our officers have been made aware to be vigilant in watching out for the destruction or larceny of any political signs.”</p><p>Criminal charges for those caught defacing or stealing signs range from trespassing and damage to property to larceny.</p><p>However, Capt. Bruce Simonds with the Hendersonville Police Department said city police have not received any such reports. He added that vandalizing signs is a class three misdemeanor and could result in fines and even probation, depending on the suspect's criminal history.</p><p>One person who contacted the Times-News said she saw some of the vandalism first hand during a recent visit to the Fletcher Library. A letter writer said he saw people stealing signs and replacing them with ones promoting the opposing view. </p><p>The signs that Mike Scruggs, chairman of the Henderson County Republican Party, has seen and taken photos of are damaged signs calling for support of the amendment. </p><p>“It's happened at the polling sites and someone slashed (a) sign,” he said. “It's a hot topic. I think that the people who are against it, there is a radical element among them that are doing this. We can't control everyone in either party. This is more along the lines of people who are against the marriage amendment. This lawless element thinks they can get away with this, but what good is it doing?”</p><p>Shelly Kingsly, chairwoman of the Henderson County Democratic Party, said she doesn't think vandalism or theft is going to change anyone's mind. </p><p>“It's childish and destructive,” she said. “People are sharply divided on that amendment. Some people are passionate about it and maybe they are angry. It's a sad situation and there is no reason for it.”</p><p>Reach Harbin at 828-694-7881 or john.harbin@blueridgenow.com.</p>